Haris Lefteri

One of my first jobs during college was as a make-up artist in Macy's. I remember filling out the job application and making sure I didn't miss any details that would hinder me from getting the position. I wanted to work with make-up so badly because, in my mind, it gave me access to a different, new world. A world of colorful rainbows and infinite combinations to transform myself and others. I always thought I was good handling make-up and each time I would beautify my friends, they would come back asking for more. However, while working at Macy's as a make-up artist, I started seeing make-up from a different perspective. Women, lots of women, would talk to me while I was beautifying their faces, each one of them having her own, personal reason to spend hundreds of dollars on beauty products.

I heard stories about women who found make-up as their last resort for their husbands to fall in love with them again, women who covered their puffy eyes behind concealer, women who hid their pain behind foundation, women who used make-up to freeze time, women who "never wear make-up, except for eyeliner", women who wanted to "look amazing on their big day." Some of them loved it, some of them hated it. All of them came back. Make-up was a friend and an enemy, hiding in their purses, pockets, work drawers etc. It was always there.

It's been quite some times since my college years and I, now, wear make-up less than ever. Soon after that job, I realized that being a make-up artist wasn't the right career choice for me since one of the job requirements is to wear make-up.....daily....lots of it....daily....

I prefer to see make-up as a last resort, kinda like those really high heels that I bought a long time ago but I have only worn twice....they're both sitting in boxes.

P.S: I don't want to go on a preachy mode and tell women that "you are beautiful as you are." If make-up is your thing go for it. If make-up isn't, then go for that too. As long as you are comfortable in your own skin, nothing else matters.